Brian W. Andersen is a dynamic leader with over 27 years of experience in the pharmaceutical,
biotech, and life sciences industries. He has a proven track record of driving sales, profits, and
market share for orphan, oncology, hospital, and specialty Pharmaceutical businesses. Throughout his
career, Brian has demonstrated exceptional commercial excellence from start-up ventures to mid-sized companies, with a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions.
Brian’s journey in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors began with his education, earning an
MBA in Marketing and Finance from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management
and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This strong academic
foundation set the stage for a career defined by leadership in sales, marketing, product
development, commercial planning, market strategy and business development. His expertise spans various therapeutic areas, including orphan drugs, oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, critical care medicine, and infectious diseases.
One of Brian’s most notable achievements was co-founding Vidara Therapeutics in 2012, where
he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role
in acquiring and relaunching ACTIMMUNE®, growing the patient base by 40%, and ultimately
positioning Vidara for its successful acquisition by Horizon Therapeutics for $600M in 2014. At
Horizon, Brian continued to excel as Group Vice President and General Manager of the Orphan
Business Unit, where he led the commercial group in the $1B acquisition of Hyperion
Therapeutics and oversaw the integration of the company into the Orphan Business Unit.
Brian’s leadership extends beyond his corporate roles to start-ups. As Chief Business Officer at
AVM Biotechnology and Regentys, he led business development, commercial planning, regulatory strategies, and fundraising efforts, playing a key role in advancing innovative therapies in oncology and gastroenterology. His strategic vision and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments have been instrumental in moving groundbreaking medical devices and treatments forward in development.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Brian has served on the board of directors for IGY Immune Technologies & Life Sciences, where he provided oversight on corporate vision,
strategy, and regulatory processes. His deep understanding of the life sciences industry,
combined with his expertise in business forecasting and commercialization, made him a
valuable asset to the board.
Brian has also been actively involved in volunteer work, serving for 6 years as President of the
301 Athletic Boosters and has been on the leadership team at West Ridge Christian Community
Church for the last 7 years. His passion for making a positive impact extends to his personal
interests, where he is committed to causes related to children, education, health, and science
and technology. He also serves on the Board of NICA Angels, a nonprofit focused on clean
water, education, and sustainable economic development in underserved areas of Nicaragua. His ability to
lead both in professional and charitable environments speaks to his character and dedication to
improving lives.
Known for his strategic leadership, Brian excels at building cross-functional teams, mentoring
future leaders, and driving organizational change. His skills in marketing, commercial planning,
mergers and acquisitions, and product lifecycle management have helped companies grow,
scale, and deliver results in highly competitive markets. Brian’s ability to align business strategy with market needs has consistently positioned him as a forward-thinking executive with a strong
focus on innovation and growth.
With a focus on continuous process improvement and workflow optimization, Brian’s expertise
in sales leadership, commercialization, and strategic planning has empowered businesses to
exceed their goals. His hands-on approach and commitment to excellence have earned him the
respect of peers, clients, and stakeholders alike, making him a sought-after leader in the
pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Character:
Brian is a driven and compassionate leader, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to
improving patient outcomes and supporting causes that enhance the well-being of communities.
His dedication to both professional and charitable work highlights his integrity and passion for
making a lasting impact.
Knowledge:
With an MBA in Marketing and Finance and a B.S. in Biology, Brian’s comprehensive
understanding of the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries is unmatched. His
ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and commercialize innovative products has
been key to his success.
Strategic:
Brian’s strategic mindset has been a cornerstone of his career, enabling him to lead successful
mergers, acquisitions, and product launches. His expertise in business development and
lifecycle management has driven growth and market expansion across multiple sectors.
Communication:
Brian’s strong communication skills are evident in his ability to lead cross-functional teams,
mentor emerging leaders, and engage with stakeholders at all levels. His collaborative approach
ensures that business strategies are aligned with market demands and organizational goals.